Woman Sues Church Over Alleged Sexual Relationship

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - A Colorado woman has filed suit against a Catholic church in Casper and one of its deacons, alleging the deacon "imposed a sexual relationship" on her after a church official referred her to him for bereavement counseling.

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday in federal court by Kathy Seeley, whose hometown is not identified. It was reported Saturday by the Casper Star-Tribune.

The lawsuit names St. Anthony's Church, deacon Donald Morris Stewart and four clergymen. It alleges the sexual relationship started after Seeley went to Stewart for counseling in 2002. The suit also alleges Stewart physically assaulted her twice in 2008.

No one answered a call to Stewart's residence Saturday. Messages left with the church were not immediately returned.

The Star-Tribune says Stewart and church officials didn't return messages Friday.

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